Obituary of Keith Ogden

Keith B. Ogden, age 52 of Niskayuna, passed away on Dec 16.

“Whatever went fast” fascinated Keith - German cars, German motorcycles, MotoGP, you name it. Formula One racing was Keith’s biggest passion because F1 racers “didn’t just drive around in circles like those other redneck teams.” At Lime Rock Park, Pocono Speedway, and Watkins Glen, Keith mastered his skills at high performance driving schools. Even though his race car was a Dodge Neon, he was often caught passing Porsche 911’s (and there are pictures to prove it). He always said those people had more money than brains.

For 20 wonderful years Keith shared his dreams and passions with the love of his life – Debbie Hrobuchak Ogden. Together, hand in hand, Debbie and Keith enjoyed the beauty and serenity of Schroon Lake aboard their boat 2 Dum Ducks. Schroon was a special place where so many happy and lasting memories were made and will never be forgotten. Boating was another passion of Keith’s, and he always tried talking Debbie into upgrading their boat to something they would need a crew to operate (like a mega yacht). Obviously, that never happened. With smiles and hugs (and lots of food and drink), they welcomed friends into their lovely Niskayuna home. Keith and Debbie shared a love and devotion that created a special love story (sorry Ali & Ryan but this one was real). They treasured each other and every day that they spent together. Keith and Debbie were lucky to find that kind of love just once in their life. And it will never end. Ever.

Keith was born in Catskill and raised in Coxsackie, NY. He was a Professional Truck Driver and was most recently employed by Daim Trucking, Fultonville, NY. Keith’s early endeavors included skipping school where his punishment would be enrollment in a strict private Baptist school, Grapeville Christian. He graduated from Grapeville as salutatorian in 1984 (in a senior class of 2, yes TWO). Keith’s academic major was Prankster 101 and he graduated with honors. His jokes were often totally off the wall and usually inappropriate, but everyone laughed at them anyway. If a sports team was losing, it was sure to be the one that Keith was rooting for. Some of his favorite losers were the Braves and the Vikings (you know what states they’re from). He once drove from NY to GA nonstop, watched a Braves game, got in the car, and drove back to NY. He was the most faithful fan any losing team could ask for.

Yet, Keith was always watching out for others, always the person who was the most caring and considerate - right there for anyone, anytime. His smile and laughter never ended, just like his jokes. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Debbie.

Friends may call Friday, December 28, from 4-6 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. There will be no interment. It was Keith’s wish to have his ashes scattered on the F1 Nurburgring Racetrack in Germany (yes, the one in Europe). If anyone else would like to attend, get your plane ticket now.